Former India all-rounder Surti breathes his last

Former India all-rounder Rusi Surti passed away in Mumbai at the age of 76. Surti had been put on the ventilator and other life support systems after MRI scans had revealed a massive stroke on Thursday evening.

The Australia-based cricketer, who was on a holiday in Mumbai, was admitted to the Jaslok hospital a few days ago, according to his former team-mate Nari Contractor.

"The stroke affected his brain and he died today. His two sons are here," added the former Indian captain.

Surti, who was a left handed all-rounder, used to bowl both medium pace and spin. He debuted for India against Pakistan in 1960 and went on to play a total of 26 Tests in a career that spanned for 9 years.

The left-hander scored 1263 runs at an average of 28.7 which included 9 half-centuries and a highest score of 99. He also picked up 42 wickets in his Test career, including a five wicket haul.

Born in Surat, Surti represented Rajasthan and Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy in which he scored a total of 8066 runs while he picked up 284 wickets. His highest first-class score was 246 not-out, which came against Uttar Pradesh in 1959.

Often hailed the poor man's Garry Sobers, Surti made everyone take notice with a knock of 64 in his second Test against Pakistan. He was a surprise pick for the tour to West Indies in 1962 in which he scored 246 runs. This was the series in which skipper Nari Contractor was hit on his head by a Charlie Griffith delivery and was unconscious for 6 days. India lost that series 5-0.

Surti also played for Haslingden in the Lancashire League in 1959 and had toured Australia and New Zealand in 1967-68. His highest Test score of 99 came against the Kiwis in Auckland.

A hard hitting batsman, a versatile bowler and a fine fielder, Surti was the first Indian player to score a fifty and claim five wickets in the same Test against Australia.